To be the Greatest: Steve Menzies

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As the 2013 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series hits fever pitch, NRL.com looks back at some of the greatest moments in the history of post-regular season playoffs.

These are some of the great action snapshots that have made the NRL Finals so memorable, with each and every one etched into Rugby League’s rich folklore.

Keep coming back as NRL.com takes a trip down memory lane to remember some of the greatest moments in NRL Finals.

After a torrid first half, Manly had broken the 2008 Grand Final wide open and were well on their way to victory. With the clock winding down and leading 28-0, there was only one thing left to cap a memorable day for the Sea Eagles.

Steve Menzies was playing his last game for his beloved Manly club, his 349th in first grade.

After disappearing down the tunnel late in the game, it looked like Menzies would finish his career on the sidelines. But when centre Steve Matai went down injured, the stage was set for the perfect finish to the man affectionately known as ‘Beaver’.

With nine minutes remaining, Manly shifted the ball left and the ball found its way to Menzies – his first touch since returning to the field. He got on the outside of Israel Folau and then threw a pass to winger Michael Robertson.

With Storm defenders Steve Turner and Billy Slater closing fast and no room to move down the western sideline, Robertson lobbed a ball on the inside just before being pushed into touch.

Menzies managed to take a difficult pass on the second attempt, swivel and – despite a desperate tackle from Cooper Cronk – get the ball down in one motion.

It was the iconic moment of the 2008 Grand Final, with teammates immediately swooping on the Sea Eagles legend.

It was a fitting end to a great career. Manly went on to win the Grand Final 40-0.